In a moving display of grace and maturity, Pinkie Roshan, the mother of Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, has publicly honored the memory of Zarine Khan, the late mother of Sussanne Khan. Through a heartfelt post on Instagram, Pinkie revealed the profound and rare friendship the two mothers shared, a bond that remarkably strengthened even after their children's divorce.
Zarine Khan, mother to Sussanne and Zayed Khan, passed away on November 7 at the age of 81 following a heart attack at her Juhu residence. Her passing has left a void in the film industry and her family, which includes her husband, veteran actor Sanjay Khan, and their children Sussanne Khan, Zayed Khan, Simone Arora, and Farah Ali Khan.
A Friendship Forged in Family
Pinkie Roshan took to her Instagram account to share a poignant note remembering her dear friend. She described their relationship as "very rare" and "very precious," highlighting a time when their hearts were fullest as they celebrated their children's union. Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan were married in the year 2000, a union that brought their families together in a joyous celebration.
However, after 14 years of marriage, the couple decided to part ways in 2014. While many family relationships fracture under the strain of divorce, the story of these two mothers took a different, more compassionate turn.
Choosing Compassion Over Bitterness
In her tribute, Pinkie Roshan unveiled the emotional core of their enduring friendship. She wrote that when their children grew apart and faced one of their toughest life phases, she and Zarine made a conscious and powerful choice. They chose empathy and compassion over bitterness and hatred.
This decision did not drive them apart but instead brought them closer. Pinkie recalled consoling each other with tears in their eyes, offering hugs and comfort. She emphasized that through this difficult period, their bond only grew stronger and their friendship became "more secure than ever." This narrative offers a powerful lesson in maintaining humanity and connection amidst personal turmoil.
Zarine Khan's Legacy
Pinkie's admiration for Zarine was further evident in a separate post where she referred to her as a source of solace, stating, "In todays world where we all need therapy counselling but anyone who knew Zar ….she was therapy."
Beyond being a beloved matriarch, Zarine Khan had her own identity in the Indian film industry. She briefly pursued acting in the 1960s, featuring in movies like "Tere Ghar Ke Saamne" (1963) and "Ek Phool Do Mali" (1969). After marrying Sanjay Khan in 1966, she stepped away from the silver screen but carved a successful new path as an interior designer.
Despite the end of their children's marriage, Hrithik and Sussanne have maintained a cordial relationship, focusing on the co-parenting of their two sons, Hridhaan Roshan and Hrehaan Roshan. The unwavering friendship between Pinkie and Zarine served as a foundational pillar of support, ensuring that family ties, though redefined, were never broken.
